and that -- that would be replacing bob gates. that would have left senator john kerry out of luck because u.n. ambassador susan rice was in line for the state department post. and then this bombshell... >> good day. we're coming on the air right now to break exclusive word that the united states ambassador to the united nations ambassador susan rice, has transmitted word to the president of the united states that she is withdrawing her own name from any future consideration for nomination to become perhaps the next secretary of state. >> jennifer: wow! and then president obama in response to her letter, released a statement saying... >> jennifer: he is, of course, referring to the relentless attacks from republicans who suggested that she purposely misled the country about the benghazi attack that killed ambassador christopher stevens. joining me now is bill press. he's most of current tv's "full court press." he's author of "the obama hate machine." the lies, distortions and personal attacks on the president and who is behind th